While there are several ways for people to get to the Golden 1 Center without their cars, the City of Sacramento estimates about 90 percent of the people coming to the downtown arena will drive.

During large events — like NBA games and concerts — more than 10,000 people are expected to swarm the Golden 1 Center.

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Meaning, lots of cars and lots of traffic will be concentrated in one area.

But, that doesn’t mean you have to stay out of downtown during large event days.

Remember these 3 tips and you’ll be able to able get in and out of the downtown area without getting stuck in traffic:

1) Road Closures

One of the easiest things you can do to avoid traffic in downtown is to stay clear of road closures. There will be more closures after events than before to allow people leaving the arena to get to the highways quickly.

Before large events, L and 5th streets around the arena will be closed. Northbound traffic on 3rd Street, between I and J streets will also be closed to allow for more people to get into the city from Interstate 5.

After events, roads surrounding the arena will be closed. The map below, provided by the City of Sacramento, highlights the closures in red. The purple lines highlight the outgoing car traffic. Avoiding these areas immediately after events will make your travel through the city easier.

Courtesy of the City of Sacramento

2) Timing is everything

Most Sacramento Kings home games will start at 7:30 p.m. and concerts will start at 8 p.m., the city said. About 60 minutes before events begins, Sacramento police will start shutting down roads surrounding the arena. The city estimates more than 44 percent of drivers will arrive in at Golden 1 Center between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

If you are looking to get out the the city, aim to leave before the road closures begin. If you want to go to downtown, try to drive in after the pre-event traffic rush.

3) Parking Garages

The city wants Golden 1 Center attendees to use the parking garages. Special reservation deals through SacPark will ensure packed garages and lines of cars moving in and out of the structures during peak event times.

If you are going into downtown on an event day, avoid the parking garages. Don’t park in them because getting out will be a pain if you happen to leave when a concert or game ends. Avoid driving past them because traffic lights near the garages will cater to cars leaving the structures.